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Cats warned not to disrupt elections again
cat
Last year energy minister Taner Yıldız blamed cats for power blackouts that occurred during the vote-counting.
Vets in Turkey issue playful statement

Turkey's cats have been warned not to engage in any mischievous behaviour in the run-up to local elections.

Istanbul's Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons issued a tongue-in-cheek statement poking fun at accusations made during last year's elections, Hurriyet Daily News reports.

Following the elections in March 2014, energy minister Taner Yıldız blamed cats for power blackouts that occurred during the vote-counting.

Last week the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons wrote: "We warn our cat friends: Stay away from power distribution units. Otherwise we will reconsider our friendly relationship with you."

The widespread 2014 power cuts during vote-counting prompted some to allege foul play, however Mr Yıldız claimed they were caused by a cat walking into a power distribution unit.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.